Fire Prevention, Article Critique Example

In this article, the author has offered a guide on how employers can ensure safety to employees and property in the event of fire outbreak. He argues that it is good for organizations to have a well-designed fire control program that will safeguard the occupants of the facility and protect the property. This will reduce on operational costs and contain chances of losses due to fire outbreaks. Through a good fire prevention program, fire insurance premiums will be minimal. He goes ahead to state that fire control plans need to be in written, and should include all fire principles and life safety measures.

This article is in support of the ideas learnt in this course in that it puts emphasis on the need to have fire prevention measures in every workplace. Fire and smoke injuries have the ability to kill victims on top of causing damage to the property. Peggy argues that suppression system like water sprinklers and fire extinguishers are the main reason as to why properties are damaged. The injuries resulting from fire can see the medical costs and operation of the organization go high. For this reason, the management should put in place measures that will prevent the outbreak of fires. Fire risks need to be managed as part of the company’s safety program as it will help reduce the cost of operations. For the organization to meet this, it should let its employees gain knowledge on the basics of fire prevention. Administering a fire prevention assessment is advisable, as it will lay a foundation for effective fire prevention program.

The safety principles adopted by the organization needs to offer a clear framework when it comes to life safety. The program should ensure employees are aware of the basic terms used in fire prevention. They should know the sources of fire in the workplace. In this journal, Peggy has identified fuel sources that can lead to fire outbreak. He has stated categorically that combustible substances like paper, fiber, wood, rubber, and combustible liquids are the main causes of fire at workplace. He also cautions about electrical equipment. Of significant, to note from this article is the emphasis it has put on the need of employees to know how to use fire-extinguishing equipments.

In order to prevent losses from fire outbreaks, it is good for employees to know where fire extinguishers are placed. This will ensure fast suppression of fire to curb its spread. They also need to know where the alarm system is positioned and how to operate it. The management of the facility should know if there is enough water, the system used to supply the water, if the firefighters are at reach in case of emergency, and if the facility has fire detection system that is linked to the nearest fire extinguishing service provider.

Personally, I agree with what the author of this article has put forward. It is good that the management of the facility holds the safety of the employees as a priority. Life safety should be upheld. In my thoughts, the management should ensure regular inspection of fire extinguishers and alarm system. If these two are in good working condition, immediate help will be possible in case of fire outbreak. I also think that it is vital that the employees are trained on how to initiate fire evacuation. Workers need to know the emergency step to take in case of fire.

References

Ross, P. E. (2011). Fire Prevention A Guide to Protecting Employees & Property. Professional Safety, 56(10), 62-69.